The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail proudly invites artists to apply for the Tuskegee Airmen Mural Project, a major public art commission honoring the courage, excellence, and enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving with distinction in the face of segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunity. Their achievements not only helped redefine perceptions of Black service and leadership in the armed forces but also contributed to the momentum that would later advance military integration and the broader fight for civil rights.
Sponsored by CCAAHT and supported by the Illinois Arts Council’s America’s 250th Public Art Grant celebrating Illinois in 2026, this project embodies the Trail’s mission to preserve and elevate African American history through public art, education, and cultural storytelling. The mural will stand as a lasting tribute to a generation whose valor changed the course of history, while also creating a powerful place of reflection, learning, and community pride. The selected artist will have the opportunity to shape a work that is visually compelling, historically grounded, and deeply meaningful to both local residents and visitors alike. Submissions must be received by 11:59pm on April 27, 2026.
PROJECT DETAILS
Application Requirements:
Artists are responsible for the entire mural execution and associated costs, including but not limited to: all paint and materials, any necessary equipment rental, and hiring and paying assistants if needed. All applicants will be notified by email of the final artist selection. The selected artist will develop a mural design and work with 40 North, Expereince Champaign-Urbana, property owners, and the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail to approve a final layout and establish a timeline for completing the mural.
The selected artist will be compensated in two installments. The first payment, paid upon contract, will include the design fee, and cost to cover project mobilization and materials. The second payment will pay the balance of the fee upon final acceptance of the mural installation. The mural will have an overall budget of $15,000. This budget must cover all expenses and the selected artist will be responsible for facilitating all expenses.
To be considered, applicants must include the following:
· Small portfolio (5-8 images) of past mural works (preferred) or non-mural works most similar to the project.
· For each artwork, please provide title, media, dimensions, year produced, budget, and location.
· Artist statement: including biography, website, and/or social media
· Submit a preliminary budget- be sure to include any equipment rentals, materials, assistant fees (if any) and any other expenses.
LOCATION
The mural will be located in Rantoul, IL on a section of the north side of 707 Veterans Parkway directly facing Wabash Park. The mural will be approximately 600 square feet in size.
SELECTION CRITERIA
· Artist resides in Illinois
· Artistic excellence and originality
· Artist’s experience with public mural(s)
· Artist’s ability to produce work that speaks to the spirit and contributions of the Tuskegee Airman
· Artist's ability to meet overall project budget requirements
· Artist's ability to complete the project by end of install period
PROJECT TIMELINE
· April 1, 2026: Call for Portfolios Opens
· April 27, 2026: Application Closes
· Week of April 27, 2026: Jury Review
· Early May: Artist Selection, Notification and Execution of formal “Work for Hire” Agreement for initial mural design and production
· May 2026: Artist begins mural
· August, 2026: Mural completed
If you have questions, please contact 40 North at:
Phone: 217.351.9841
Email: kwhite@40north.org